Thread: 2009 MAQAM Challenge-Chicago *****WINNERS!!!*****

The Midwest Bellydance Challenge has several new and exciting changes this year starting with the name! I am delighted to announce that the 2009 MAQAM Challenge - Chicago will take place Saturday August 22nd at the York Community Resource Center, 1609 S. Luther Ave Lombard, IL 60148. This year's categories are:

Student Cabaret Soloist: 1st place $250 dance scholarship, sash, trophy. Trophies for 2nd and 3rd place.

Student Tribal Soloist: 1st place $250 dance scholarship, sash, trophy. Trophies for 2nd and 3rd place.

Troupe: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place trophies for all troupe members

Pro Cabaret Soloist: 1st place $500 cash prize, sash, tiara, trophy. Trophies for 2nd and 3rd place.

Pro Tribal Soloist: 1st place $500 cash prize, sash, tiara, trophy. Trophies for 2nd and 3rd place.

Pro Drum Solo: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place trophies.

Additional prizes TBA ..g.: There will be a People’s Choice award for each category.

My relocation has moved up the timetable for this partnership, but rest assured it is still my baby Registration will open this week on the maqam.com site....watch for it!!

More details to follow!!

~~Kimahri

Just curious... who's going?

Originally Posted by gretchendances

Just curious... who's going?

This is my third year as organizer...last year we had dancers from 11 states participate!

~~Kimahri

Originally Posted by gretchendances

Just curious... who's going?

I'll go if I can... to watch if not to participate...

This is really growing.

I may be moving (or have moved) by that point, but if I can hitch a ride, I'd like to go.

oooh! i've never done a competition before but perhaps this will be my first....is the competition open to canadians?

Originally Posted by anyadance

oooh! i've never done a competition before but perhaps this will be my first....is the competition open to canadians?

Everyone is welcome!

~~Kimahri

yipee!

Oh, I'm so happy to hear this is happening again! I am definitely retiring from the Pro Cabaret category (I like the idea of exiting gracefully on a high note ), but I'm seriously considering entering the drum solo category. And I believe Nasim wants to enter again this year too!

i hope to enter this year. no mention of it yet at maqam.

Originally Posted by AyoubGRL

i hope to enter this year. no mention of it yet at maqam.

As I said, registration will open this week...please watch for it.

~~Kimahri

This is great Kimahri! I have a quick question: what is a 'dance scholarship'? Is it for a particular school/dance studio?
Thanks!

Originally Posted by Mikayla

This is great Kimahri! I have a quick question: what is a 'dance scholarship'? Is it for a particular school/dance studio?
Thanks!

The dance scholarship is paid on behalf of the winning student soloist wherever they choose for live instruction...workshop fees, private lessons, punchcards for weekly classes with their regular teacher,etc. It does not have to be spent all in one place. It cannot be used for costumes, CDs or DVDs.

~~Kimahri

The vending space is 90% reserved but there is still room! Interested vendors please contact me at kim_bova@yahoo.com for more info ..g.:

~~Kimahri

I'm interested - Are there any classes? Does the competition go all day?

Originally Posted by ohio_laura

I'm interested - Are there any classes? Does the competition go all day?

No classes, it's non-stop competition excitement all day!

~~Kimahri

Ooooh, I'll be watching for this. I'm so glad you're having the competition this year. Last year was GREAT! I think I lost 10lbs that day sweating. LOL;)

Mariah

I'm in for the student category again. Wow, just typing that makes me nervous! Nothing on Maqam's site yet.

Originally Posted by anyadance

oooh! i've never done a competition before but perhaps this will be my first....is the competition open to canadians?

Go for it Anya!!

Is there a Website for the competition?

The info is coming soonsoonsoon on maqam.com! There's a lot more to setting up the registration this year.

One change of note this year for the pro categories...because of the venue change it's going to be ONE round, not a semifinals and finals. Student, troupe and drum solo categories are also one round like last year.

~~Kimahri

You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime

WE ARE LIVE!

Go to maqam.com and click on Registration & Events!!! Join the fun--TAKE THE CHALLENGE!! ..g.:

Special celebrity guest judge announcement coming soon....and as a special treat if you purchase a spectator wristband before July 10th you'll get a FREE CD when you pick it up at Will Call!

~~Kimahri

How long is registration open?

Originally Posted by luvnafctn

How long is registration open?

I'm guessing until each category is full. Could be hours, could be weeks, depends on the category!

Originally Posted by luvnafctn

How long is registration open?

Registration will close when a category is filled or on July 31st whichever comes first. I'll be getting updates every 48 hours on numbers of spots remaining and will post here and on my email list.

~~Kimahri

I tried to register, but Maqam's shopping cart is insisting on charging me shipping and sales tax.

I sent them an e-mail and reported the problem.

Originally Posted by Lauren_

I tried to register, but Maqam's shopping cart is insisting on charging me shipping and sales tax.

I sent them an e-mail and reported the problem.

sending that in on the Bat Phone as well...thanks!

~~Kimahri

Here's what I heard:
That should not be happening as events do not have tax or shipping. It will
only happen if they are trying to buy products at the same time or if they
have been to our site before and maybe added things to the shopping cart, or
bought before, etc. All they have to do is refresh their browser and
problem solved.


I just tested this with a wristband and a contest entry and it went through to checkout with no shipping or tax. Keep me posted!

~~Kimahri

I had a DVD in my cart and then put it back, so that's what happened.

I just checked the music list and the song I wanted to use isn't there -- neither are my existing troupe numbers. I'm rethinking.